STITCH’s Fashion Week Picks
Graphic by Austin Kim
After New York, London and Milan, Paris Fashion Week marks the latest major designer showcase of the season. The nine-day event included over 100 runway shows, where both top fashion houses and lesser-known designers showed off their Spring/Summer looks.
During the first week of October, lots of designers made their Paris debuts, including Australian designer Christopher Esber. Highlights also included Miu Miu’s exploration of contemporary beauty, Valentino’s body-inspired looks and Balenciaga (for whom Kim Kardashian modeled a bonus look). Sarah Burton showed her final collection, leaving Alexander McQueen after 26 years.
Besides the fashion shows themselves, another spectacle sat in the front row. Designers, models, celebrities, writers and just about everyone in proximity to the world of fashion could be found in Paris earlier this month.
Paris Hilton, Angela Bassett and Cher attended Givenchy, while Usher and Jennie Kim of Blackpink were seen at Chanel, and Sydney Sweeney and Emma Chamberlain went to Miu Miu. Then, Pamela Anderson made a statement on natural beauty by wearing no makeup at Victoria Beckham and Vivienne Westwood.
With hundreds of looks coming off of the catwalk, not to mention the red carpet, we thought it might be helpful to break down some of STITCH’s top picks and moments from the Spring/Summer shows in Paris.
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Carly Witteman Co-Editor-in-Chief
Photo Courtesy of Vogue Runway
“My favorite PFW show was Sarah Burton's last collection for Alexander McQueen. After over 26 years with the brand, she's stepping down as creative director. But her last collection was absolutely stunning, inspired by female anatomy and powerful, creative women who refused ever to compromise their visions. Naomi Campbell closed the show in the most beautiful metallic gown.”
Stella McCartney
Molly Van Gorp Co-Editor-in-Chief
Photo Courtesy of Vogue Runway
“I loved the Stella McCartney collection from PFW. I am such a fan of extreme outerwear -- something that was really at the forefront of this collection. The long, cow print furs, leather jackets, and denim-on-denim are so iconic. The show was held in a barn with actual horses, which was incredibly cool in its own right, plus it perfectly complemented the neutral color palette and equestrian-chic vibes of the looks. Cherry red made an appearance mid show. Red is really the color of the moment for me, and seeing pops of it among the browns, beiges, and creams added a sense of levity to an otherwise more buttoned up collection.”
Balmain
Ilise Angel Creative Director
Photo Courtesy of Vogue Runway
“I think my favorite overall moment was Balmain's S/S 24 collection, especially after many of their pieces were stolen right before the show, the fact they were able to put together such an amazing collection was really admirable! I loved seeing the 3-D floral adornments and unique textures like latex and experimental and intricate mixed media dresses that reminded me a bit of my favorite fashion era with the extravagant pieces of 90s John Galliano or Thierry Mugler, when fashion on the runways was also art.”
Xuly.Bët
Alea Wilkins Digital Managing Editor
Photo Courtesy of Vogue Runway
“I love how Xuly.Bët’s Spring 2024 lookbook poses a back-to-school twist on summer’s “blokette” trend. The contrasting prints and funky tights excite me to the nth degree. Then, multiply that with the fresh mix of preppy blazers, delicate kitten heels and football jerseys? A+”
Loewe
Austin Kim Digital Managing Editor
Photo Courtesy of Vogue Runway
“Loewe definitely stole this season for me. Jonathan Anderson is a genius and knows exactly how to play into commercial designs while still committing to his silly concepts. The high-waisted pants are so high; it's all I really need in my life.”
Taylor Russell in Loewe
Lauren Cohn Digital Managing Editor
Photo Courtesy of Vogue
“A fun moment that stands out to me was when Taylor Russell arrived at the Loewe show. For starters, the metallic coat was so insanely cool, and she looked stunning head to toe, even without pants on. But, what I absolutely loved about that moment was seeing Anna Wintour’s reaction to the whole scene– she looked totally amused and everyone knows that a smile from that one speaks volumes. Anyways, I love Taylor Russell, so I’m excited seeing her career take off, and that moment totally solidified her as an it-girl in fashion. Hopefully, Anna added her to the met gala guest list after that one.”
Chloé
Gabi Kurzer Print Managing Editor
Photo Courtesy of Vogue Runway
“I would say that one of my favorite collections from Paris Fashion Week was the Chloé show. It was Gabriella Hearst’s last show as the creative director for the brand, and she did not disappoint. The collection was primarily black and white with a few pops of color or metallic, but the simplicity of the color is what allowed the texture of the garments to shine. The collection was filled with eye-catching ruffles, fun flowers, and other details that captivated me.”